1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Þ.: Ever since the songwriting for the follow-up album has been basically laid down for a while now, and as the pandemic makes it still difficult to play live, the band activities were mostly centered around the release of the current album and everything that goes with it.
We are in any case very excited for the release and can't wait to finally hold the result in our hands!
2.You have a new album coming out later in October, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Þ.: It is an evolution to previous material in terms of more experimental, avantgarde songwriting, yet without neglecting the roots in traditional black metal.
The interesting thing about “Calling the Void” is that it came out of a rather spontaneous burst of inspiration, initiated by Syknatt's purchase of a 7-strings guitar. Originally it was planned only as an EP, but thanks to our label's opinion we eventually turned it into a full-length by expanding it with more songs. We are very happy that we did!
Syknatt: The first two albums were written in traditional black metal style, but we have decided to develop our sound further and to include more different elements into our music.
3.Both of the band members are also in other bands and projects, what is it that you bring into the music of 'In Crucem Agare', that you are not able to do with your other groups?
Þ.: Our various bands represent very different moods and aspects within the black metal spectrum. ICA allows us to express a different scope of emotions and to explore other musical paths, which would not fit well into our other projects.
Syknatt: With ICA we have the freedom to more experimentation and not having to follow clear patterns.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
Syknatt: The abysses and weaknesses of humanity, the problems of a non-functional society and the futility of religions.
Since we are now working actively as a duo on the songwriting and thus we both can contribute with creative inputs, the quality of the material could be further improved.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'In Crucem Agere'?
Syknatt: IN CRUCEM AGERE is Latin and can be translated as “crucifixion”, or “nailed to the cross”, and shows how humanity is chained to invented gods and religions.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
Þ.: It was painted by my better half Rebecca Andel, a talented artist who did further contributions to the album as well, in the form of lyrics and guest vocals on some of the songs, but also by shooting our promo photos. She did the painting a couple of years ago, initially not related to ICA, but I always felt that it would make a great shape on an album cover. And in the end we came to the conclusion that it would actually fit perfectly to “Calling the Void”, so it was decided that we would use it for that purpose. I think it reflects the essence of this album really well, and also harmonizes with our promo photos, so one can say that things fell right into place in order to create an artistic synthesis.
7.Currently there are only 2 members in the band but had a full line up in the past, are you open to working with other members again or do you prefer to remain a duo?
Syknatt: Þ. Joined the band as full member in 2018 on guitars and partly on vocals, “Calling the Void” is the result of our cooperation.
Currently, being a duo works perfectly for us. But we are open to recruiting new members in the future, if it should be necessary.
However there has been a full live line-up since 2018 to make playing shows possible.
8.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Syknatt: We had our live-debut in 2018 in Vienna, since the band was previously only a studio project. We are open for more selected shows in the future.
Þ.: The aim with our stage performance is to reflect the sinister concept behind the band and to let the darkness speak for itself. And yes, we are definitely open to play more shows!
9.The new album is going to be released on 'Code666', how did you get in contact with this label?
Þ.: It was important to us to have a proper release for this album, as we put a lot of sweat, blood and creativity into it. We contacted code666, because of the impressive list of quality releases, and as we felt that our music would fit well due to its more experimental nature.
To our excitement the label was interested in releasing “Calling the Void”. What followed was the extension of an EP to a full-length, as well as some negotiations, until ultimately the deal was sealed.
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
Syknatt: The reactions in the past ten years have been very positive.
11.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
Þ.: Except for the circumstance that so far playing shows was not possible for a long time for well known reasons, it has been a very productive time in terms of songwriting and also for releasing new music. With our other band ILL TIDINGS, where both Syknatt and I are involved, the debut album was released earlier this year via Cult of Parthenope. Also, there are big news ahead on that front, so it is worth to keep an eye out.
My other band FARAWISA also released its debut album a couple of months ago, via Naturmacht Productions. And I am working a lot on shaping up the new album for VÁSTÍGR, where recordings are planned for next year.
12.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Syknatt: We are working constantly on new material. Our aim is to always keep on improving the band, and to reach more people with our music and our message.
Þ.: Further into the abyss. There is no turning back, an endless sea of darkness lies ahead and we continue our descent.
13.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Syknatt: Specifically for ICA, I am mostly influenced by traditional black metal, as well as death and doom metal, and also modern black metal from Iceland.
Þ.: The influences are countless- in one way or another pretty much anything that touches the soul can work as a source of inspiration, be it other bands, artists or the misery of everyday life. But if I had to drop some names, the most prominent ones would be DEATHSPELL OMEGA, BLUT AUS NORD, or CARPE NOCTEM, but there are many more.
As for what's hot now, I am very much enjoying the new albums by INFERNO, MANNVEIRA and DJEVEL- and yes, also the new DARKTHRONE full-length. Not to forget the debut EP of our good friend Alboin's new band PLUTONYAN!
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Syknatt: Thank you for the interview and your interest in ICA!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InCrucemAgere
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/incrucemagere/
Bandcamp: https://incrucemagere.bandcamp.com/
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